Cons

Bottom Line

One of the Lodge's best assets is its location right in Vail Village, two minutes from the closest ski lift. It's got some great features -- an on-site spa, a huge, modern 24-hour fitness center, two outdoor pools and six Jacuzzis -- but it is an older building and in need of some updating. Rooms in the luxury wing have fresher decor (including rustic details such as wood beams or stone fireplaces) and air conditioning, but other rooms lack air conditioning, are a bit small for the price, and are showing their age.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Scene

One of the first hotels in Vail, with rustic alpine decor

The Lodge at Vail is one of the most historic resorts in Vail Valley, with an alpine-lodge-style exterior and rustic flair inside. The decor is not entirely cohesive, with murals and stucco arches in the lobby, an intimate, wood- and stone-accented sitting area just off the front desk, and bold blue-and-cream printed carpet in the hallways.

The Lodge is trying to regain its luxury status, and successfully upgraded the spa and fitness center, which are both among the property's most impressive amenities. The hallways and common areas, however, need a little more TLC.

Rooms

The rooms have comfy beds and the color palate is exactly what you would expect from a lodge -- neutrals and warm tones with rich, textured fabrics. But some rooms are showing their age, with old carpets and dated furniture. The decor is considerably fresher and more stylish in "luxury wing" rooms.

Many rooms have large balconies that face either the pool and outdoor terrace, or the ski slopes. Studio Rooms, as well as all of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom suite categories, have stone fireplaces.

Food

Cucina Rustica is a Vail staple with farm-to-table American cuisine. The Sunday brunch buffet is a highlight, but the restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

The hotel's second restaurant, Elway's, serves up steaks and seafood for dinner.

Bottom Line

One of the Lodge's best assets is its location right in Vail Village, two minutes from the closest ski lift. It's got some great features -- an on-site spa, a huge, modern 24-hour fitness center, two outdoor pools and six Jacuzzis -- but it is an older building and in need of some updating. Rooms in the luxury wing have fresher decor (including rustic details such as wood beams or stone fireplaces) and air conditioning, but other rooms lack air conditioning, are a bit small for the price, and are showing their age.